Algerian plane ‘disappears from radar’ after declaring emergency

UPDATE: The Air Algerie plane has reportedly landed safely after it earlier “disappeared” off the radar after declaring a mid-air emergency.

The airline confirmed the Boeing 737-600 has landed safely in Algiers after suffering technical difficulties mid-air.

Earlier report…

An Air Algerie passenger jet travelling to Marseilles declared an emergency in mid-air shortly after take-off.

Air Algerie flight AH1020 travelling from the Algerian capital of Algiers to Marseille declared an emergency before disappearing from radars following the plane’s path, according to online flight tracking sources.

Radar tracking the Boeing 737-600 showed the plane turn around and head back towards the point where it took-off but before arriving – however it has now vanished off the radar.

The jet is thought to be returning to Algiers and flight radar shows the jet turning back on itself, heading over the Mediterranean and towards Mahon.

The plane is not currently on the radar – however aircraft do not show any activity under 17,000ft on this particular flight path, according to some experts.The last recorded altitude of the plane was some 7,000 meters.

Pilots let out an emergency call shortly after take-off, according to reports.The Planefinder.net website was unable to locate the plane, stating the plane’s status is ‘unknown’.

The aircraft has some 123 seats – although it is not yet known how many passengers are on the plane.